Gerardo Parra
Position: Outfielder
Bats: Left – Throws: Left
Born: May 6, 1987 (Age 28)
With the winter meetings well underway, the New York Mets are in the market for an outfielder, and as assistant GM said Monday, “not an everyday outfielder.” The team is looking for a player who can share time with Juan Lagares in center field, preferably a lefty-swinging platoon mate.
The Mets have often been linked to Gerardo Parra by many outlets this offseason, and on Monday they met with the representatives for the veteran player. Not to mention the team was hot on Parra at the trade deadline before he was eventually dealt to the Baltimore Orioles.
The interesting thing about Parra is that he actually would be able to provide the Mets with a little bit of everything they need. He is able to man all three outfield positions, something not too many free agents out there are able to do, while providing solid defense. Parra is very capable at the plate, he offers some power and speed, and he certainly fits a platoon role with Lagares like a glove.
Parra put up respectable numbers last year, splitting time between the Milwaukee Brewers and Baltimore. He posted a combined .291/.328/.452 line in his 2015 campaign with 14 home runs, 51 RBI, 83 runs scored, and 14 stolen bases.
He only walked 28 times this past season and had a 4.8 walk rate, but that may have been an outlier as in his previous four seasons Parra averaged 7.3. Plus, his 15.6 K/9 was the best mark of his career.
Defensively, Parra is quite a defender who can handle himself nicely in the field. He’s won two Gold Gloves in right field, but has played a fair share of games in left field and center as well where he’s logged 186 games. He committed just two errors last year, both while playing in center for Milwaukee. Parra also picked up 9 outfield assists in 2015.
It is worth noting that Parra was not eligible for a qualifying offer from Baltimore, making him even more attractive to the Mets as they wouldn’t have to forfeit a draft pick.
Parra, 28, could be a perfect fit in New York. He has good splits versus right-handed pitching, which makes him an optimal candidate to platoon in center field with Juan Lagares. He has a career .289 average against righties with a .432 slugging percentage.
Contract: Parra could land a three-year deal worth about $27 million. This would pay him through his age 31 season. In addition to the Mets, the Royals, Giants and Mariners have been connected to Parra.
Recommendation: Parra could fit into this line-up well at the top of the order while platooning in center field. He can also spell Curtis Granderson or Michael Conforto when they need a day off. I believe this is a good opportunity for the Mets to pick up a solid outfielder on an affordable deal.
